Hmm... after reading the intro post of The Mess Hall, I'm tempted to try and turn Aeolysus's background into something along the lines of: During the Golden Wing's latest trip to Krekonia (possibly even his parents were the dealers for the most recent voyage) Aeolysus somehow ended up on board (probably gliding and not watching where he's going... or maybe he was sent along for the trip by his parents), people liked his spunk (crazyness), and he got invited to join the crew. (and then later, on this layover at The Mess Hall, he gets into the talent competition and makes a classic sound like an entirely new piece of music)
although I still have to think up a good instrument for steampunk, for some reason I keep thinking some crazy version of bagpipes, or possibly an organ (although thats not really good for moving around)